See How SIS Bank is Honoring Veterans This Month

Wreaths Across America just finished its biggest event of the year: Several veterans organizations, including American Gold Star Mothers, Blue Star Families and Patriot Guard Riders, escorted a dozen tractor-trailers full of handmade balsam wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery.

During the weeklong journey from Maine, they stopped at schools and memorials to emphasize the importance of remembering fallen soldiers, honoring those who currently serve and teaching about service members' sacrifices. (Organizers say the caravan has become known as the nation's longest veterans parade.)

At Arlington, they placed about 253,000 sponsored wreaths on the headstones there. Meanwhile, volunteers at 1,640 locations (at least one in every state) held similar ceremonies Dec. 15, pausing at the busiest time of the year to honor those who paid the ultimate price.

Volunteers are encouraged to say each veteran's name as they place the wreath, a nod to the idea that we all die twice: once when we take our last breath and again when people stop saying our names.

Amber Caron, director of communications for Wreaths Across America, recently talked with Sarah Sullivan about the Dec. 15 events:

As Wreaths Across America organizers are undoubtedly putting the finishing touches on such a huge undertaking, SIS Bank is providing donations for future events. For every touchdown Tom Brady throws during New England Patriots games this month, SIS Bank will donate $50 to Wreaths Across America.

It's just another reason to cheer on the Patriots.

The donations are just one way SIS Bank has made supporting veterans a cornerstone of their business. They also donate to a local veterans organization every time a veteran opens an account under their veterans bundle, which includes free checking and incentives for VA Mortgage Loans. Click here to learn more.